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Easy Kitchen Remodeling

By: Larissa Levise

 

In the past, kitchens were merely rooms to cook meals. Today's kitchens, on the other hand, double as home offices, playrooms, homework centers and entertainment lounges. Your kitchen really is the heart of your home, so it's not surprise that the kitchen is the focus of your home renovation plans.

 

Before you begin your remodeling project, make sure that you secondary place to prepare meals. You'll need a location that has convenient access to water. Ideally, you will be able to use your existing stove and refrigerator. If not, make sure that you have ample coolers on hand, as well as an electric kettle, hot plate, toaster oven and microwave. If the weather cooperates, you can also make good use of your barbecue at renovation time.

 

Once you're ready to begin renovating your kitchen, be aware of these common mistakes, and try to avoid them:

 

1. Damaged Walls: It's easy to trash the walls when removing old cabinets and countertops. Try to leave the existing braces intact when you're taking out the old cabinetry.

 

2. Surface Damage: Floors, cabinets and countertops are also prone to unnecessary damage. Protect your cabinets and countertops with drop cloths. Floors are easily damaged during wall replacements and other major renovation projects. Think about putting down a layer of plywood to protect your kitchen floor.

 

3. Utilities: Make sure that all utilities are shut off before you begin working. Simply flipping a circuit breaker, pulling a fuse or closing a water valve may not be enough to provide full protection. Safety always comes first. If possible, completely shut off the hydro, water and gas supply before you start working.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Protect Against Debris. Even though you're renovating in the kitchen, you can be sure that dust from sanding and tiling will find its way through the entire house. Use plastic sheeting to cover doorways to adjoining rooms, and seal air vents to contain the mess. Ventilation is important, however, so be sure to leave the kitchen windows and outside door open.

 

5. Set a Reasonable Time Limit: A kitchen renovation is a big job that takes time to complete, so be sure you're not underestimating your time limit. It's not a great idea to start a kitchen renovation two weeks before Christmas. Give yourself lots of time so you don't end up hurrying to finish and messing up the details.

 

Preparation is the key to success. Here are a few ways that you, and your kitchen, can be fully prepared:

 

* Everything that you don't need in your temporary kitchen area should be packed away. Label the boxes clearly and put them in storage.

 

* Remove everything that isn't nailed down. Drawers, spice racks, appliances, lazy susans, wall clocks and ornaments should all be removed and packed away or put aside. Everything remaining in place should be protected against dirt and damage.

 

* Arrange to have the refuse removed. There will be a lot of debris, particularly if you're replacing flooring, walls, cabinets or countertops. If you don't have a truck, rent a dumpster. Have it as close to the kitchen as possible, so you can throw the debris right in. Pay attention to any materials that can be reused. Those old cabinets may be handy in the laundry room or garage. Call a charity organization and donate your unneeded materials. Try Habitat for Humanity.

 

* Turn off the gas and water before removing major appliances. There are usually individual shutoff valves for plumbing and water, but it can be worth your while to turn off the main valve. Look near your gas meter for the main gas shutoff valve. Remember that you'll need to relight all of the pilot lights once your gas your gas has been shut off at the source. Skip this step and you'll find yourself taking a cold shower at the end of a hard day's work.

 

* Disconnect all electrical circuits leading to the renovation area. Many older homes have wiring systems that have been modified, and it's not always clear which circuits or fuses control a particular area. You can't afford to guess, so call a qualified electrician if you're not sure. Otherwise, you can turn off the main power to the house while you're working. You can also tape over the breakers to safeguard against switching them back on inadvertently.

 

* Dismantle existing fixtures and outlets if you plan on upgrading your electrical system. First, remove all of the light bulbs, and then dismantle each fixture by unscrewing the cover plate and pulling the receptacle out of the box. Detach the wires carefully.

 

Any exposed wires should be capped until you are ready to install the new fixtures. The bare copper wire is the ground, and does not need to be capped. Electricity is a very dangerous area, and there is no room for error. If you're not exactly sure how to replace electrical fixtures, invest in the services of a licensed electrician.

 

It takes a lot of work to remodel a kitchen, but the results can be spectacular. In your home, the kitchen is likely used for playing, socializing and leaning as much as it is a place to cook. The time and effort that you spend on your kitchen renovation will surely pay off in many ways.

 

About the Author:

Columnist Larissa Levise loves writing for numerous popular Internet sites, on home improvement loan and home improvement subjects.

Title:
Easy Kitchen Remodeling
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